Saturday, August 29, 2009

Quick Review: 2009 Chevrolet Impala Rental

I needed a rental car for a couple of days, and the only car available at my local Enterprise store was a red 2008 or 2009 Impala.

The Chevrolet Impala is a perfect example of why GM nearly went under, and how the Chevrolet brand was adrift without a clear identity. It is a mediocre car, with some very annoying details. It doesn't inspire passion, it isn't a car I would choose to buy. It is a rental fleet queen.

Good Points:

Quiet, smooth, 3.5L V6 with variable valve timing.

Clean, if boring, styling.

Flex-Fuel (E85) capable.

Unoffensive transmission behavior.

Decent fuel economy for a larger car (I got 25mpg average on gasoline)

No hand-hold to open trunk (you can try to grab the trim, or put your fingers under the trunk lid edge).

The case for the Impala falls completely apart when you compare it with the newer Chevrolet Malibu. The Malibu has a more powerful V6 engine, a 6 speed transmission, a much nicer interior, and about the same interior space (with more rear headroom).

My husband and I just recently opened up a blog called The Auto Depot at http://theautodepot.blogspot.comHe's a car mechanic with over 16 years of experience in customisation. I'd appreciate it if youwould check it out and tell us what you think, thanks all.